"What the plaintiffs are most concerned about is the amount
had too few zeroes than they wanted," Robertson said
of his August 7 decision to award $455.6 million to the
plaintiffs.

Led by Elouise Cobell, a member of the Blackfeet Nation of Montana,
the plaintiffs contend they are owed much more for the
federal government's failure to account for their trust funds.
They had asked for up to $46 billion during a trial held in June.

The Bush administration, on the other hand, disputed owing
any money to hundreds of thousands of Indian beneficiaries.
But the $455.6 million was close to an amount the DDepartment
of Justice conceded during final days of the trial.

The Cobell plaintiffs now hope to address a slew of issues
that might affect the bottom line,
said attorney Dennis Gingold. Included is whether account
holders are owed some form of interest for the failure
to account.

"We believe it will be more efficient ... for issues to be resolved
by the court of appeals," Gingold said during a hearing yesterday
afternoon.

The Bush administration hasn't decided whether to appeal
the case, government attorney Michael Quinn said.
But he raised a number of issues that he said need
to be resolved in order to distribute any money that is
owed to Indian beneficiaries.

Robertson reiterated that his $455.6 million figure does
not address any potential damages claims that aren't
addressed by the Cobell case.
He said his goal since being assigned the 12-year-old lawsuit
has been simple.

"My primary concern about this case was getting it done and getting it
over with," Robertson.

Robertson again questioned whether the case could be settled
without further court proceedings.
Some "off line" talks have occurred, Quinn said yesterday,
but no details were revealed.

The Bush administration told Congress it would pay $3.5 billion
to resolve the historical account and any potential damages claims.
But the government also asked for its liability to be
terminated for all future claims.